Spotlight on Texas Books
April 2000

Spotlight on Texas is a quarterly cassette publication announcing the latest audio books produced by volunteers at the Talking Book Program Volunteer Recording Studio in Austin and at the Recording Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in Midland. The audio version of "Spotlight on Texas" is distributed on request to Texans with disabilities who are registered to receive the Talking Book Program's free library service.

Since 1978, Talking Book volunteers have recorded thousands of fiction and nonfiction titles by Texas authors or about the history, culture, folklore, and people of the Lone Star state. Titles recorded include biographies, histories, westerns, romances, mysteries, self-help, travel, and children's books. More than 10 new books are completed each month, including some in Spanish. In addition, volunteers record three Texas magazines: Texas Monthly, Texas Parks & Wildlife, and Texas Highways.

If you would like to receive an audio cassette copy of "Spotlight on Texas" each quarter, please contact the Talking Book Program through the phone numbers, e-mail address, postal address, or fax number listed at the bottom of this page.

To order any of the books listed below, note the titles and CT book numbers you would like to request. Then call a Reader Consultant toll-free in Texas at 1-800-252-9605 or, in Austin, at 512-463-5458. A voicemail message service is available after hours and on weekends for you to leave book requests or other messages. Say your full name and patron number (if known) clearly when leaving messages and give the CT book number and title for each request. Book orders may also be sent in an e-mail message to: tbp.services@tsl.texas.gov

Following the list of titles recently recorded by our volunteers, we also feature in this issue a section on mysteries recorded in years past. We are pleased to provide this reminder to you that these mystery books are available.

Note the titles and book numbers you would like to request, then call us at any time with your order.

Fiction

Acid Bath
CT 6009 by Nancy Herndon, Narrated by Janice Langlinais, 2 cassettes
Strictly speaking, it wasn't a body that Detective Elena Jarvis of the Los Santos, Texas police found at the apartment of self-described "erotic poet" Angus McGlenlevie. The skeletal remains of a murder victim lay submerged in a bathtub, a volleyball team championship ring the only clue to its identity. To solve the crime the press dubs the acid bath murder, Elena will have to put aside her friendship with her prime suspect, the poet's ex-wife. This book contains: Profanity

Biggie and the Fricasseed Fat Man
CT 6430
by Nancy Bell, Narrated by Sonya Roden, 1 cassette
Biggie is back in this folksy mystery set in East Texas. She brings with her J.R., her 10-year-old grandson, Rosebud, he of the tall tales, and Willie Mae, the best cook in Texas. The Birdsong brothers have built themselves a chicken restaurant. The grand opening has the whole town out ready to sample broiled chicken baked chicken, barbecued chicken, chicken and dumplings, chicken croquettes, and fried chicken. But what the citizens aren't ready for is finding three-hundred-pound Firman Birdsong under the restaurant's kitchen table, festooned with white-flour gravy and as dead as one of the hapless birds. This book contains: Profanity

Blood Ties
CT 6432 by Dee Stuart, Narrated by Janice Lathin, 2 cassettes
Who killed her husband? American-born Rosanne Montejo is certain that someone in Enrique's powerful, wine-making family was involved in his murder. And as she returns to Spain with her young son, she is about to uncover another shocking truth and come face to face with someone who wants her and her son dead.

Cherokee Rose: A Novel of America's First Cowgirl
CT 6323 by Judy Alter, Narrated by Dana Schuff, 3 cassettes
She was born on an Oklahoma ranch, where her father taught her to rope and ride. Filled with daydreams of joining Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, Tommy Jo Burns knew she was destined for fame as a trick roper. Taking the name Cherokee Rose, Tommy Jo joined Colonel Zach Miller's 101 Ranch Show and began the climb to her glory years headlining in the rodeo. Always striving to achieve her dreams and never willing to settle for less, Cherokee Rose would become one of the most celebrated women of the West. This book contains: Some Sex, Profanity

The Conquest
CT 6427 by Elizabeth Chadwick, Narrated by Cindy Johnson, 4 cassettes
The year is 1066 and life in England is going to be completely different, especially for Ailith, a young Saxon wife. It is the year in which she loses both her husband and young son, and the year in which the Normans come, not as friends, but in search of conquest. Ailith's grief and despair run so deep that she would have done away with herself if a handsome, womanizing Norman, Rolf de Brize, had not happened by in the nick of time. This book contains: Some Sex, Violence

Forever Yours
CT 5785
by Francis Ray, Narrated by Lori Brix, 2 cassettes
The last thing Victoria Chandler wants is to get married again. Her ex-husband's betrayal hurt too deeply. But the beautiful young Fort Worth businesswoman knows that she must find a husband quickly--or her grandparents will call in the loans that support Victoria's chain of boutiques. This book contains: Some sex.

Held Accountable
CT 6363
by Karen Hanson Stuyck, Narrated by Karen Phipps, 2 cassettes
For ten years Liz James has worked as the public relations officer for the Houston Mental Health Center. When two of the clinic's employees are killed after receiving threatening notes, the pressure on Liz to discover the identity of the killer soars toward the breaking point. Liz herself has received the third poisoned-pen letter-and she's the only recipient who's still alive. Strong language. This book contains: Violence, Profanity

Home to Texas
CT 6436 by T. L. Davis, Narrated by Jack Huff, 2 cassettes
The second book in the story of J.D. Wilkes, a young man who stepped into the Frontier West unprepared for the cruel brutality of it all, and stayed to become a part of it. Now after burying his father in Mississippi, he's back to start a life among the vast prairies and endless skies of Texas. As J.D. soon finds out, staying put can cause as much trouble as being a drifter. This book contains: Violence, Profanity

Murder in the Place of Anubis
CT 6411
by Lynda S. Robinson, Narrated by Karen Watkins, 2 cassettes
Set in ancient Egypt during the reign of 14-year-old Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Meren, young also but mature enough to serve as counselor to the king, finds it his duty to learn the truth about a scribe whose body is found in the sacred Place of Anubis with an embalming knife protruding from the neck. Meren is torn between loyalty to the king, respect for the embalming priests, and suspicion of those who would take advantage of the youthful pharaoh.

The Prairie Chicken Kill: A Truman Smith Mystery
CT 6259
by Bill Crider, Narrated by Tad Tuleja, 1 cassette
It wasn't all that surprising that someone wanted Truman Smith to investigate the killing of a prairie chicken in Picketville, Texas. After all, he had successfully solved the murder of an alligator. Will Truman's sleuthing put him on the killer's endangered species list?

A Regency Christmas Carol
CT 6435 by Mary Balogh, Narrated by Linda Fox, 3 cassettes
Five heartwarming short story romances to ring in the holidays. In Mary Balogh's "The Bond Street Carolers," a London street choir brings together a nobleman who dislikes Christmas with a pretty widow who can melt his icy heart. In Anne Barbour's "Melody", an American finds himself in an English village, where a singer with the voice of an angel helps him find not only his tie with the past-but a future filled with love. In Elisabeth Fairchild's "Yuletide Belles," the celebration of the Yuletide season helps a grieving governess to discover that Christmas can bring new hopes, new dreams, and perhaps new love. In Carla Kelly's "Make a Joyful Noise," a widower discovers an enchanting surprise in the Christmas choir: a mysterious Welsh lady.

Shadow Walkers
CT 6428
by Nina Romberg, Narrated by Jeanne Guichard, 2 cassettes
They were the unlucky and the unloved: a group of runaway children who escaped to the deep woods of East Texas and found shelter in an abandoned mental hospital they christened Pinecreek. There, they formed a secret club to protect the young, the helpless, and the weak. But even the strongest among them can not resist the ancient evil that lives within Pinecreek's decayed walls. Only eleven-year-old Sadie can stop the evil forces and save her friends from themselves. This book contains : Violence, Profanity

A Share in Death
CT 6434
by Deborah Crombie, Narrated by Jeanne Guichard, 2 cassettes
It was a peaceful holiday-until a body washed up in the whirlpool bath. That's when Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid of Scotland Yard gets to work investigating murder amidst the secluded loveliness of a Yorkshire time-share. Together with his partner, the outgoing Sergeant Gemma James, Kincaid won't rest until the killer is sent packing. But his time is running out. This book contains: Profanity

Spanish Blood
CT 6429
by Mike Blakely, Narrated by Jack Gazzale, 2 cassettes
In 1870, Bart Young heads for the New Mexico Territory, where he's heard men were making fortunes overnight in land speculation on the old Spanish grants. He figures to be a rich land baron before the year is out. But the ranchers are stubborn and the local officials corrupt, and many men were there ahead of him. Bart's dream seems hopeless until he stumbles onto evidence of a lost grant bigger than he could have ever imagined: the entire Sacramento Mountain Range--over a million acres. This book contains: Some Sex, Violence, Profanity

Texas Kidnappers
CT 6357
by J. T. Edson, Narrated by Jack Huff, 2 cassettes
Libby Craddock assured the gang of young outlaws she had gathered that her plan was simple and would bring them plenty of money without the need to do any work to get it. All they had to do was stop a stagecoach traveling to Bent's Ford, remove the rich girl passenger and hold her for ransom. Libby and her gang did not know that there were two serious flaws in her plan. The girl was Betty Hardin and she was fully capable of taking care of herself. Even worse than that, waiting for Betty to arrive at Bent's Ford was the Ysabel Kid. This book contains : Profanity

The Wire-Cutters
CT 6431
by Mollie E. Moore Davis, Narrated by Marilyn Swinton, 3 cassettes
Centered around the destructive fence-cutting war waged against ranchers by cattlemen whose herds were cut off from water, this novel recreates the colorful vernacular and often quirky personalities of the cowboys, the rich folk culture of the region, and the particulars of daily life on the Western frontier.

Nonfiction

The Account: Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca's Relacion
CT 5586
by Alvar Nunez Cabeza De Vaca; translated by Jose Fernandez and Martin Favata, Narrated by Gratia Winship, 1 cassette
This is a new and improved translation of the Spanish explorer's horrendous journey across 16th century America. One of the earliest accounts of explorers in North America, his journey of hardship and misfortune contains many first descriptions of the land and its inhabitants.

The Ballad of Gussie And Clyde: A True Story of True Love
CT 6406
by Aaron Latham, Narrated by Jack Gazzale, 1 cassette
Aaron Latham, a New York writer, worried when his father was left alone by the death of his mother after more than fifty years of marriage. His father, Clyde, renewed a childhood friendship (via long-distance telephone calls) with recently widowed Gussie (age 81) whom he had not seen in decades. Finally Clyde persuaded Gussie to return from California to their hometown of Spur in west Texas to visit him. When Gussie went back to California, Clyde followed her the next day and one week later, they married. This "ballad" is a son's memoir that celebrates life and love.

Blood and Treasure: Confederate Empire in the Southwest
CT 5843
by Donald S. Frazier, Narrated by Cliff Hardwick, 3 cassettes
When the Civil War broke out, Jefferson Davis appointed General Henry Hopkins Sibley to lead an expeditionary force from Texas to seize New Mexico for the Confederacy. Hopes for success ran high after the Confederate victory at the Battle of Val Verde but ultimately, lacking supplies and reinforcements, the Confederate Army of New Mexico was forced to retreat into West Texas. Historian Donald Frazier shows convincingly that the threat to the Union cause posed by Sibley and his army was extremely serious. Sibley's success could have laid the foundations for a Confederate empire in the Southwest and Mexico that might have secured recognition and aid for the South from European nations, altering the eventual outcome of the Civil War. This book contains : Violence, Profanity

The Funny Side of Texas
CT 5859
by Ellis Posey, Narrated by Harold Steadman, 1 cassette
A fourth-generation Texan, Ellis Posey has been a radio and television personality as well as a syndicated newspaper humor columnist. His collection of funny stories and jokes shows how a special sense of humor has helped Texans survive the bad times and enjoy the good times to the fullest.

Juan Cortina and the Texas-Mexico Frontier, 1859-1877
CT 6174
by Jerry D. Thompson, Narrated by Eddie Corrigan, 1 cassette
Always controversial during his lifetime, Juan Cortina's place in history is clouded by differing interpretations of his life. To many Tejanos and poor Mexicans in the border regions, he was a folk hero while most Anglo-Americans considered him a ruthless bandit. The definitive biography has yet to be written, as more primary source documents have become available to shed additional light on the era in which Cortina lived. This volume contains nine of Cortina's pronunciamientos gathered from various archives and newspapers of the years 1859 to 1877. Each is preceded by an introduction which explains its historical context and source.

Making the Timeless Timely:
Thoughts and Reflections of a Contemporary Reform Rabbi
CT 6113
by Samuel M. Stahl, Narrated by Janice Lathin, 3 cassettes
The author has been rabbi of Temple Beth-El in San Antonio since 1976. These essays cover an impressive range of subjects-from issues in pastoral theology to issues of social justice, from examining Jewish beliefs to issues arising from a pluralistic America.

A Rocket at Heart: My Life and My Team
CT 6395
by Rudy Tomjanovich, Narrated by Tom Fairbrother, 2 cassettes
Through Rudy Tomjanovich's more than twenty-five years with Houston's National Basketball Association team, first as an All-Star player, then as a scout and an assistant coach, and finally as head coach, he has truly been a Rocket at heart. This book contains : Profanity

Spanish Nonfiction

Cuando Dios Susurra Tu Nombre (When God Whispers Your Name)
CT 6383
by Max Lucado, Narrated by Dr. Juan Lujan, 2 cassettes
Through brief vignettes, Lucado explains his theory that God knows each person as an individual, not as part of a group, and if you listen to God, he will ease your doubts and sorrows. For example, Lucado says, when looking at a flock of sheep, he himself doesn't really see each sheep, but rather a group. Yet a shepherd knows and has a name for each individual sheep.

To order any of these titles, call 1-800-252-9605 or, in Austin, 512-463-5458.

Spotlight on Romance

Thousands of additional titles recorded in Texas are available from the Talking Book Program. Ask a Reader Consultant to recommend other Texas titles and authors or have Texas titles added to your reading list through our automatic selection program. A world of Texas books is just a phone call or e-mail message away.

Among the titles available, you may want to consider ordering these previously recorded romance titles:

Elusive Lovers
CT 6011
by Elizabeth Chadwick, Narrated by Dani Macfarlane, 3 cassettes
After an innocent kiss left her good name in shreds, Kristin Traube set off for the life of a Bohemian painter. Dishonored and disowned, she knew that her reputation would scare off any decent man-any man except Jack Cameron, who was determined to bring her home. This book contains: Some Sex

The Engagement
CT 6235
by Suzanne Robinson, Narrated by Janice Langlinais, 2 cassettes
Lady Georgiana is the daughter of a duke and is thrilled to be engaged to an elderly, wealthy Earl who will surely soon leave her a rich widow. But she hadn't counted on a young Texan arriving on the scene determined to foil her plans. This book contains: Heavy Sex, Profanity

Glass Slippers
CT 6277
by Nancy Berland, Narrated by Dana Schuff, 2 cassettes
There must be more to life than spending it all at Caroline McCann's exclusive shop, sewing gowns for wealthy Austin, Texas debutantes. It is a thought that occurs to seamstress Maggie Kncaid at least once during every workday. An unexpected opportunity gives Maggie a chance to create her own designs and transforms her ordinary existence into something very close to the fairy tale of her dreams. But sparks fly when this modern-day Cinderella finds in the talented but arrogant photographer Jack Lewis her most unlikely Prince Charming. Some descriptions of sex. This book contains: Some Sex

Honeymoon Suite
CT 5922
by Jennifer Blake, Narrated by Linda Fox, 3 cassettes
Four short novels of romance, each by a different author, all set in and around the lavish honeymoon suite of a Dallas hotel. Jennifer Blake, Margaret Brownley, Ruth Jean Dale and Sheryl Lynn each contribute a story. This book contains: Some Sex, Violence, Profanity

Hot Texas Nights
CT 6180
by Mary Lynn Baxter, Narrated by Janice Lathin, 2 cassettes
When her husband is killed, Natalie suspects foul play on the part of her husband's family, the wealthy, powerful, ruthless Whitmores of Austin, Texas. In need of help, Natalie turns to ex-policeman Stone McCall who sees in Natalie a chance to clear his bad name. This book contains: Heavy Sex, Profanity

Lady Dangerous
CT 6022
by Suzanne Robinson, Narrated by Therese East, 2 cassettes
Liza Elliot poses as a maid in the house of the notorious Viscount Radcliffe in order to discover whether this sinister nobleman is responsible for her brother's murder. But she doesn't realize how much she risks until she comes face-to-face with the handsome viscount on night. This book contains: Some Sex, Profanity

Love Song
CT 5961
by Sharon Gillenwate,r Narrated by Andree Rosen, 2 cassettes
Famous country singer Andrea Carson has returned to her hometown in Texas to recuperate from a life-threatening illness. Her old high school friend Wade Jamison helps her to realize that she needs inner healing as well. As her feelings for Wade grow, Andrea must convince him that their relationship will withstand the demands of her career.

A Match Made In Texas
CT 6161
by Ginger Chambers, Narrated by Linda Fox, 2 cassettes
For years and years, Parker sons and daughters have ranched the Parker land, and eighty-one-year-old Mae Parker intends to keep it that way. But her great-nephew Rafe has no plans to buckle under to her pressure on him to marry. But his iron will is tested when Mae invites Shannon Bradley to the ranch.

Outlaw Brides
CT 6247
by Elaine Coffman, Narrated by Emily McDonald, 2 cassettes
Three romantic stories by historical romance authors. "The Bride of Blackness Castle" (by Elaine Coffman) takes place in the wilds of northern Scotland, "Maverick Hearts" (by Ruth Langan) is set in the Texas plains in 1880, and "The Ballad of Josie Dove" (by Mary McBride) takes place in the rugged hills of New Mexico territory in 1878. This book contains: Some Sex, Violence, Profanity

A Time Too Late
CT 5613
by D. R. Meredith, Narrated by Karen Phipps, 3 cassettes
A Texas romance from the old days, when the range was free, the cattle herds vast, and men and women stood tall and cast long shadows. This book contains: Some Sex, Violence, Profanity

Ordering

More Texas Titles Thousands of additional titles recorded in Texas are available from the Talking Book Program. Ask a Reader Consultant to recommend other Texas titles and authors or have Texas titles added to your reading list through our automatic selection program. A world of Texas books is just a phone call or e-mail message away.

As with all of the books in our collection, there is no time limit for ordering any of these books. Feel free to ask for these titles at any time-now or in the future.

The Texas volunteers welcome your comments and suggestions. Send an e-mail message to the Volunteer Recording Studio at tbp.services@tsl.texas.gov or write to us at Volunteer Recording Studio, Talking Book Program, PO Box 12927, Austin, TX 78711-2927. If you live in the Austin area and are interested in volunteering to record books, please call 463-5546 for more information. More information about volunteering is available on the web page of the Friends of the Talking Book Program Volunteer Recording Studio.